BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said law enforcement and tourist assistance must be handled separately following a dispute between Chinese visitors and Thai officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport, while urging the Chinese ambassador to Thailand to help improve mutual understanding rather than escalate public sentiment. Speaking on August 5, Sihasak addressed the incident involving Chinese tourists and Thai immigration officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where reports claimed passengers were prevented from boarding a flight and footage circulated online showing Thai officials being accused of mistreating Chinese visitors.
Sihasak said the government wants all tourists to have a positive experience from arrival through departure. However, immigration procedures and legal enforcement must continue to follow established regulations. “Officials must enforce the law, but the process should be smooth and provide as much convenience as possible for travelers,” he said. Regarding efforts to help Chinese tourists better understand Thailand’s rules and regulations, Sihasak said the Chinese ambassador has an important role in promoting understanding between the people of both countries.
He said he had already discussed the matter with the Chinese ambassador, stressing that recent incidents have become sensitive issues that have drawn public attention in Thailand. Sihasak said diplomatic communication should focus on strengthening bilateral understanding rather than solely defending one side’s interests. “Ambassadors stationed in each country have a primary duty to promote relations and mutual understanding between peoples,” he said, adding that statements or public communication should avoid intensifying tensions. He acknowledged that ambassadors naturally have a responsibility to protect their own countries’ interests, but emphasized that both Chinese and Thai diplomats must work to maintain strong relations between the two nations.
